Somers Town (2008)

96% of critics liked it
(53 reviews)
71% of users liked it
(18,519 ratings)

Dead Man's Shoes and This Is England director Shane Meadows takes the helm for this monochromatic childhood drama concerning two young friends living in London, and their efforts not to turn out like their aimless fathers. Tomo has just turned 16, and as a result he's no longer under parental care.… More Dead Man's Shoes and This Is England director Shane Meadows takes the helm for this monochromatic childhood drama concerning two young friends living in London, and their efforts not to turn out like their aimless fathers. Tomo has just turned 16, and as a result he's no longer under parental care. Eager to escape the Midlands and seek out a better life in London, Tomo sets out for the big city and strikes up a friendship with Polish immigrant Marek while traversing the streets of Somers Town. Marek is a quiet and sensitive boy who harbors a growing interest in photography and still lives with his father. But Marek's father is a hopeless drunk, and doesn't even notice when his son invites Tomo to share their apartment. Most days, Tomo and Marek are content to pass earning some quick cash from an eccentric neighbor, wandering the streets, and admiring a pretty French waitress named Maria who works at a nearby café. Eventually, the two become obsessed with the girl and begin tracking her every move. But one day Maria simply vanishes, leaving the boys to feel as if they have lost their muse. Later that night, Tomo and Marek decide to dull their pain by sharing a bottle. Of course, it's this very same night that Marek's father discovers his son has taken in a new roommate, and Tomo is swiftly evicted. As a result, the growing bond between the two boys is put to the ultimate test. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 15 min.
Directed By: Shane Meadows
Written By: Paul Fraser
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: Jul 15, 2009 Limited
On DVD: Dec 31, 2009
Studio: Film Movement

Critic Reviews

Walter V. Addiego, San Francisco Chronicle
Somers Town is a small-scale jewel that will surprise you with its buoyant look at blighted lives.
Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times
Somers Town is a funny and endearing character comedy whose extra-brief, 70-minute running time proves perfectly adequate for its slender, episodic story.
Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer
However thin, the story of these rootless youths, estranged from mothers and native cities, has a certain universality and appeal.
Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News
A small but important film about small but important lives, the latest drama from Shane Meadows further confirms that more people should know about this gifted director.
Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger
It is proof that there are all sorts of teenage lives going on in Britain, and sometimes, their most magical moments take place on dead-end streets.
Kyle Smith, New York Post
Like its star, the movie is too short and a little thin but just about perfect.
Kelly Vance, East Bay Express
Shares a gentle, observant tone with the early films of Ken Loach.
Brian Orndorf, DVDTalk.com
A verite touch of observation, Somers Town is kind and airy, a perfect cinematic meal for someone in need of small pleasures, explored through Meadows's undeniable taste in locations and near-masterful work with actors.
Sarah Boslaugh, Playback:stl
...Meadows' method of working with improvised scenes shot in long takes gives it a sense of emotional truth which is lacking in many more ambitious films.
Tricia Olszewski, Washington City Paper
Nothing much happens, but its workaday plot lines are universally relatable -- the key to keeping this slight film engaging.
John Hartl, Seattle Times
Turgoose continues to convince as a kid whose personality wavers daily if not hourly, while Jagiello playfully suggests that Marek is becoming the perfect straight man.
Gerald Peary, Boston Phoenix
Somers Town is gentle, funny, blue-collar humanism, much like the early films of Ken Loach.
Laura Clifford, Reeling Reviews
Meadows gives his film so much forward thrust it feels like a road movie as it follows the ramblings of his two young leads.
Marc Mohan, Oregonian
Shot in the same beautifully desolate black-and-white as Meadows' boxing film TwentyFourSeven, Somers Town takes on the feel of dreamlike instant nostalgia.
Leo Goldsmith, Reverse Shot
As in all of Meadows's films, Somers Town emphasizes the importance of character and particularly of camaraderie amongst male characters--here, teenagers who nick clothes from the local laundry, get drunk in the park, and furtively investigate masculinity
Fr. Chris Carpenter, Movie Dearest
Sweet...at times reminiscent of "Y Tu Mama Tambien."
Mike Scott, Times-Picayune
What Somers Town lacks in story arc, it makes up for in charm, as Meadows and company create an endearing and thoroughly enjoyable portrait of a young British bromance.
Richard Mowe, Boxoffice Magazine
It may seem slight but Meadows is a master of the art of revealing human foibles and weaknesses, which means the film lingers long after its extremely modest running time. A wee gem.

Read all 18 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Cynthia S

Well..this is a fine example of a really nice little film that I'm not sure why I liked. But I did. Alot. I thought that the antics of these two boys were really entertaining. I like the whole feel of the movie, soundtrack and all.
Anthony L

I love Shane Meadows, like I've said countless times, he is a savour to British film. In Somers Town he takes it down a notch after the success of This is England, a well thought out move, admirable and wise. It's a shame then that what could have been a sweet little film… More
I love Shane Meadows, like I've said countless times, he is a savour to British film. In Somers Town he takes it down a notch after the success of This is England, a well thought out move, admirable and wise. It's a shame then that what could have been a sweet little film turns out to be so disappointing. Its got the great Perry Benson in a supporting role and young Thomas Turgoose is maturing into a great actor. I also liked the scenes with the Polish Father and Son, I thought they were quite sweet and touching. On the whole however, Somers Town is totally lacking in magic, or at least the comforting feel of Meadows's previous work. It's not at all bad, it's just nothing special.
Lady D

A much anticipated film for me and yet another great performance from Thomas Turgoose, who proves yet again his natural acting abilities. The story is kind of slow moving, but has the harsh reality we?ve all come to know as Shane Meadows trademark, not quite ?Dead Man?s Shoes? or… More
A much anticipated film for me and yet another great performance from Thomas Turgoose, who proves yet again his natural acting abilities. The story is kind of slow moving, but has the harsh reality we?ve all come to know as Shane Meadows trademark, not quite ?Dead Man?s Shoes? or ?This is England? yet a storyline which draws you in and focuses on the friendship of two boys drawn together by each of their own lonely circumstances.
Luke B

Short, sweet and simple. Meadows does the intelligent thing of actually dialing it down a notch after This is England. It's a brief view of two very different boys that start a unique friendship. The film makes enough comments on life in England. It also works as a bridge between… More
Short, sweet and simple. Meadows does the intelligent thing of actually dialing it down a notch after This is England. It's a brief view of two very different boys that start a unique friendship. The film makes enough comments on life in England. It also works as a bridge between immigrants and natives. A London set Stand By Me with affecting emotional performances and enough comedy to keep it light and fresh.
Gordon A

Minor work which reflects its origins as a short film. Has all Meadow's trademark warmth and humour but lacks the grit.
William S

Well, it won't change your life and it is very slight - in length, obviously, but it also really did feel like half a story. Quite literally with it's frustrating ending - the screen goes black and the credits roll just as things start to happen. Did the makers run out… More
Well, it won't change your life and it is very slight - in length, obviously, but it also really did feel like half a story. Quite literally with it's frustrating ending - the screen goes black and the credits roll just as things start to happen. Did the makers run out ofmoney? Speaking of money, I noticed that Shane Meadows was criticised for making, what some feel, is a glorified advert for Eurostar. What?! I can't say I noticed anyone mentioning Eurostar by name. The station does feature prominently and one character mentions the short length of time it takes to get to Paris and our heroes do eventually visit Paris. But so what?? I, for one, wouldn't have taken much notice of this if it weren't for the fact that someone else thought it was significant. And as far as I'm concerned it was a very small price to pay if Eurostar has seen fit to invest in British Film in the first place. I'm glad someone is! Well done to them. Would anyone have even noticed if the characters spent half the film in Starbucks (have you seen I Am Sam??!) or MacDonalds drinking Pepsi or Coke? Personally I can't think of anything better to promote in a film than traveling by train (a cinematic staple as old as the medium itself) and I'm glad Shane Meadows is getting the cash from somewhere. Anyhoo... Somers Town is a lot of fun and the characters are extremely likable. Shot in black and white (except for a candy-coloured finale), which can usually create a distance with audiences used to colour, it's still filmed with Meadows' typically naturalistic and earthy way, (lots of improv for sure) making the characters feel very immediate (almost nouvelle vague! but more raw instead of cool!). And, unusually for Meadows, no-one is killed or brutalised (well not seriously anyway!) so that the smile stays till the credits roll and you leave the cinema with a jaunty swagger instead of your tail between your legs.
Walter M

In "Somers Town," teenaged Tomo(Thomas Turgoose) is having a hard time in London, having just run away from his native Nottingham. Soon after his arrival, he is beaten up and robbed of all his belongings. Marek(Piotr Jagiello) is also new to London from Poland, along with… More
In "Somers Town," teenaged Tomo(Thomas Turgoose) is having a hard time in London, having just run away from his native Nottingham. Soon after his arrival, he is beaten up and robbed of all his belongings. Marek(Piotr Jagiello) is also new to London from Poland, along with his father(Ireneusz Czop), a railway worker. In order to blend in better, he has been given a counterfeit Arsenal T-shirt from Graham(Perry Benson) for services rendered to cover up the Manchester United one he was wearing. Marek still stands out enough with his photos of Maria(Elisa Lasowski), a French waitress, to catch Tomo's attention in a cafe. While so light and insubstantial that it is almost instantly forgettable, "Somers Town" does manage to convey some serious thoughts about the difficulties of adjusting to a new life in the big city. Tomo has a tough time of it because he is alone(He knows Jane(Kate Dickie), who is old enough to be his mother, but if she is a relation, wouldn't she call his parents?). On the other hand, Marek and his father do not even have English as a first language, alhtough they are quick learners from unusual sources, but they have each other at least, even as homesickness might take hold from time to time.
Jeff T

Tiny and sweet, this delightful little tale of mismatched friends finding each other and having itty bitty adventures is a joy. A beautiful black-and-white production makes it seem like more than it probably is, but what is there is lovely and breezy and these two boys are great… More
Tiny and sweet, this delightful little tale of mismatched friends finding each other and having itty bitty adventures is a joy. A beautiful black-and-white production makes it seem like more than it probably is, but what is there is lovely and breezy and these two boys are great company for the audience as well as each other. Over before you even get settled in, it's exactly right.
Eduardo T

Unique and beautiful cinematography. It gave the film a weird yet cool feel to it. What I noticed right away was that this film shined in its writing department. This featured great character development. I got to know a lot about the characters and their motives. It did struck me as… More
Unique and beautiful cinematography. It gave the film a weird yet cool feel to it. What I noticed right away was that this film shined in its writing department. This featured great character development. I got to know a lot about the characters and their motives. It did struck me as awkward as to how close these two boys became friends so fast and even shared something that most men don't share. If you don't know what I'm talking about you have to see it for yourself. Their dialogue contributed to their development so much I had trouble keeping up. As for the plot it was okay. It could have been better, all they had to do was extend the running time. The direction could have been better. It lacked in camera work but it wasn't to much of a bummer. The production values where good. It was a good idea to have the last scene in color and make it look like it was filmed using a camcorder. If you're into film festival worthy films then this one is for you.
Richard F

A surprising little indie gem about friendship and adventure that surpasses even the great "Once". The driving force of this film, the chemistry created between the two youths, is a perfect synchronization of great writing, directing, acting, and editing, with an amazing… More
A surprising little indie gem about friendship and adventure that surpasses even the great "Once". The driving force of this film, the chemistry created between the two youths, is a perfect synchronization of great writing, directing, acting, and editing, with an amazing soundtrack to boot. I love this film!
Keith M

I loved the chemistry between the two kids, and they had some some really funny moments between the two of them. With a 65 minute running time though there really isn't any in depth story to establish except the friendship that develops between these two completely different… More
I loved the chemistry between the two kids, and they had some some really funny moments between the two of them. With a 65 minute running time though there really isn't any in depth story to establish except the friendship that develops between these two completely different kids, so with that it caused the movie to be a little lacking for me. I would recommend though if you just want to take an hour and watch a couple of funny kids fucking about. Good old Shane Meadows knows how to develop a character.
Sarah B

Not your usual Shane Meadows film, but maybe all the better for it. You keep thinking something bad is going to happen which undermined the experience somewhat, but despite the sweeter, more light-hearted and slighter storyline, I really liked this film. Most comparable to Romeo… More
Not your usual Shane Meadows film, but maybe all the better for it. You keep thinking something bad is going to happen which undermined the experience somewhat, but despite the sweeter, more light-hearted and slighter storyline, I really liked this film. Most comparable to Romeo Brass, it really represents the innocence, unconditional and loyalty of childhood friendship.
Andrew P

Shane Meddows could never ever make a hollywood movie. His style is so typically British which is a delight to watch. This story is written brilliantly as are the characters. Well worth the watch
Chris M

If this doesn't win a BAFTA for best British film in 2009. What will?